CFC raises nearly $1 million

Maj. Gen. Kevin W. Mangum, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commanding general, thanks volunteers from Air Traffic Services Command, which raised 124 percent of its initial goal, at the CFC ceremony Dec. 9 at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum.

Maj. Gen. Kevin W. Mangum, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commanding general, thanks volunteers from Air Traffic Services Command, which raised 124 percent of its initial goal, at the CFC ceremony Dec. 9 at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum.

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FORT RUCKER, Ala. (December 12, 2013) -- The Combined Federal Campaign fell just short of its goal to raise $1 million this year, but a celebration was still to be had Dec. 9 when Maj. Gen. Kevin W. Mangum, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commanding general, revealed that the installation raised $909,151.

"We knew three months ago that there were going to be some challenges. And since then those challenges have come to fruition. However, the purpose of today's event is not to focus on the obstacles we face, but to thank the volunteers who persevered through the campaign," said Lew Lewis, Heart of Alabama CFC director.

In its 52 years of existence, the CFC has contributed almost $7 billion. And last year's local campaign raised $1,218,475 -- 106 percent of its intended target.

"It has been a tough year with layoffs, shutdowns and sequestration, but so many of you came through despite those challenges," said Mangum. "So many of you cared to share, and through your generosity we came so very close to meeting our goal this year. In this last week alone you donated over one hundred thousand dollars."

This year, 11 organizations and units on the installation raised more than 200 percent of their goals, and three raised more than 400 percent. E Company, 1st Battalion, 212th Aviation Regiment, raised 444 percent higher than its initial goal.

"A number of organizations went above and beyond. You guys did your part and went way beyond what was expected. That is a committed effort by amazing volunteers," he said. "Sixteen organizations met new records of total dollars pledged. Twenty-two organizations exceeded their stretch goal and 25 organizations exceeded their goal within the first three weeks of the campaign."

Mangum added that there was still at least one second left in the game, and that the campaign would still accept donations to the end of the week to raise the last $96,000.

"The game is not over until it is over, so nobody should become a spectator. Everyone needs to stay engaged so we can reach our goal," he said before thanking and congratulating volunteers who raised 100 percent or more of their set goals.

Col. James A. Laterza, Lyster Army Health Clinic commander, said that this year volunteers had to work harder than any other year to get the idea out there that no matter how hard an individual may have it, someone else is more in need.

"And it is the season (to give.) We are reminded why we have this holiday season," he said. "Without the great leadership that we have here on post we would be unsuccessful, but we are always successful because of our great leadership. Thank you for making this year's campaign so special."